The program provides candidates with the knowledge of current theories and methods
of using assessment data to support data-based decision making for the purpose of
understanding, evaluating and promoting positive pupil performance, program outcomes,
and school climate. Candidates develop an understanding of the influence of multiple
factors on pupil achievement. The program requires candidates to analyze assessment
information in a manner that produces valid inferences when evaluating the needs of
individual pupils and assessing the effectiveness of educational programs.

Introduction

The primary course that addresses Standard 4 is Coun 203, Assessment in Counseling. Topics covered in Coun 203 that relate to the factors to consider in Standard 4 are listed below:

Coun 203addresses the following topics in class :

Types of educational and psychological appraisal

Types of assessment used in these major areas: school, rehabilitation counseling and
career development, MFCC (marriage and family counseling) settings, and clinical settings

Theoretical bases for assessment, including learning styles and developmental stages
of children

Candidates demonstrate their understanding of the above topics through participation
in class discussion, successfully passing examinations, and applying these concepts
when they write case studies and psychological reports.

Other courses that address individual factors to consider

Assessment is an integral part of the process of providing appropriate services to
pupils and their families. Courses that address specific domains of school counseling
incorporate the concepts and skills of assessment in both content areas and required
activities.

1. Knowledge of current theories and methods of assessing pupil performance

Coun 208: The abilities of candidates to assess a client, the counseling process, and themselves
as counselors are developed in this course through a series of activities: providing
individual counseling, observing and critiquing of peers in counseling, critiquing
of tapes, writing reflection journals, and writing reports and progress notes on counseling
sessions.

Assignment: PracticumR

Coun 220: Objective 10: Identify and become knowledgeable of the various assessment instruments and techniques
used in career counseling field.

Assignment: CareerA

Coun 240: Objective 7: Demonstrate the ability to work knowledgeably, effectively, and sensitively with
families whose culture and/or language differs from his or her own

Assigment: ExceptionalA

Coun 249: Objective 4: Apply knowledge of psychological and educational assessment in an approved school
setting.

2. Knowledge of tools for assessing program outcome and school climate

The following three courses address primarily the assessment of programs in school
context:

Coun 241: This course focuses on the organization, administration, and evaluation of counseling
programs. It uses a model that centers on the service provider as being sensitive
to the subjective reality of clients with whom assessments are applied as a method
of evaluation and possible change. Relevant objectives include:

Objective 1: Familiar with major philosophical and theoretical approaches to coordinating and
supervising of counseling programs at elementary, middle and high school levels.

Objective 4:Able to review school counseling budgeting procedures, methods used in counseling
programs, and methods of evaluating school counseling programs through approved research
procedures

Objective 6: Able to develop and implement plans directed at affecting school climate by bringing
about change in an organization or with an individual(s) within an organization.

Assignment: OrganizationA

Coun 242:

Assignment:Consultant interview: Submit a summary of your interview. The interview will address the following area:
what programs and strategies does the consultant employ when working with school staff
and parents to alleviate school failure and increase pupil success? The interview will include the following questions:

What specific programs and strategies does the consultant use?

What does the consultant see as the biggest problem(s) facing counselors in working
with school staff, parents and students?

What strategies does the consultant employ to overcome these problems?

The objectives of this course address programmatic issues. Students are given the
opportunities to develop and evaluate prevention programs, pupil advocacy programs,
and parent education programs. Relevant objectives are as follows:

Objective 1: Develop methods of working with school staff and parents which include planned prevention
programs to help alleviate school failure and promote ways of increasing pupil successes
K-12 school settings.

Objective4. Investigate procedures for developing methods to be used in formulating pupil advocacy
programs.

Objective 5. Design and apply appropriate parent education program for specific population group.

Coun 249: While candidates apply their knowledge and skills in field practice in elementary
school, they meet in class to discuss the integration of concepts in certain chapters
in the textbook. The chapter assignments include:

Chapter 3, Comprehensive School Counseling Programs: Consult with your field supervisor and relevant school personnel.

Identify if a comprehensive school counseling plan is in place.

If yes, describe and assess their plan and if no, describe how you will develop a
comprehensive school plan at your school site.

Chapter 5, Developing a Program:Follow the guidelines of the chapter on planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating.

Describe how you will develop one prevention program at your school site

Chapter 10, Evaluation of a School Counseling Program:

Evaluate the counseling program at your school that addresses: guidance curriculum,
individual planning, responsive services, system support.

3. Application of technology in data collection, analysis, and assessment

Technology is applied inside and outside class when candidates are engaged in data
collection, analysis, and assessment. Relevant activities are listed below:

Coun 220: Objective: Candidates willidentify the variety of computer-based and non-computer based career resources.

Assignment: CareerA

Coun 249: Mandatory Field experience:

Become familiar with the use of school technologies for information access, teaching
and learningStudents’ technological skills will be assessed by onsite supervisor when evaluating
the students’ job mastery with specific regard to technological skills.